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South Africa 1-1 Mexico

"The 2010 Fifa World Cup is more than just a game: it symbolises the power of football to bring people together from all over the world, regardless of language, the colour of one's skin, political or religious persuasion."

09:05Commentary

Somehow, on the most remarkable day in the history of African sport, it felt right that a quote from the iconic Nelson Mandela should kick us off. I'm Jonathan Stevenson, and I'm sharing your extraordinary excitement from Johannesburg, South Africa, where the greatest show on earth is due to get under way in only a few hours. Happy World Cup day, one and all.

09:09Commentary

Yep, we made it. The day South Africa, the day Africa, the day the entire football world has been impatiently waiting for has finally arrived. It feels like the most eagerly anticipated day in the recent history of sport, and it's here. 11 June, 2010 - a day never to be forgotten.

09:14Commentary

You see this page? It's yours as much as it is mine. Throughout the next month, we want you to be a part of this festival of football. Whatever you've got to say, this is the place to do it. Get the texts in on 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide), tweet me right up @Stevo_football and join up and join in on the 606 thread. It's Africa's time to shine; it's your time to shine.

ContributorBBC Sport's Guy Mowbray

"I've been awake since half past four, and having slept well since getting here, I can only assume it's due to nerves and excitement about what's to come."

Join Guy for the opening ceremony, streamed live on the BBC website (UK only), from 1300 BST.

News just in: Nelson Mandela will not attend the opening game of the World Cup, the Nelson Mandela Foundation says.

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From Robi: "Stevo... your opening words have sent goosebumps throughout my office in Kenya. Not a ball kicked and the fever pitch is astronomical."

World Cup Have Your Say

From Bismark Kofi Kuyole in Tamale, Ghana on WCHYS: "I really wish South Africa scrapes through the group. The beauty of the tournament will be undermined should the host nation be eliminated in the first round."

09:31Commentary

Much more build-up to come, fret ye not. Did anyone catch the pre-World Cup concert yesterday? I thought it was brilliant - favourite moment by far when the phenomenal Archbishop Desmond Tutu danced onto the stage wearing a Bafana Bafana shirt, scarf and woolly hat, before proclaiming: "I'm dreaming! I'm dreaming! Wake me up! Oh, what a dream! We're showing the world! We are the world!" Awesome.

ContributorBBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty

"It is a two hour drive out of Johannesburg to get to Rustenburg, but the whole of South Africa is joined as one and the opening ceremony will be celebrated with as much fervour here as it will in Soccer City. The staff at our accommodation have changed out of their normal uniforms and are decked out in the colours of Bafana Bafana, complete with scarves and hats. They look great. This whole country is awash with World Cup anticipation and everyone is determined to get in on the action."

A year ago, during the Confederations Cup, the foreign journalists got themselves into a right old mess. Every time Matthew Booth, the only white player in the South African side, got the ball they thought he was being booed by his own fans. He wasn't - they actually love him. Read my colleague Simon Austin's blog on Booth and his hopes for the World Cup in his home country.

Commentary

From jamesnlongman on Twitter: "Buzzing about the opening game - doing all my revision now so I can sit down and watch! So excited - prediction 2-2."

606

From redandblackT on 606: "Stevenson old bean, any chance of any of your predos being right this World Cup?"Not a hope in hell. Brazil-Netherlands final, right?

By the way, the doors to Soccer City, the 94,700-capacity stadium that will host the opening ceremony and first game, have already opened. Outside the ground even early this morning, it was absolutely buzzing. I promise you, when you tune in later you will have never heard anything like it.

10:00Commentary

The first game of the World Cup, between South Africa and Mexico, starts in five hours. The opening ceremony gets under way in only three hours. The countdown is on.

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Rusty, London: "I have booked two weeks off work to watch the greatest show on earth. I leave in three hours. Some colleagues think I am barmy. Others realise I'm a genius. Good luck to South Africa!"

10:07Commentary

It is impossible to overlook the fact that this is Africa’s World Cup. It is the first time the world’s premier sporting competition has come to the second-largest continent on earth and the excitement it has generated has to be seen to be believed. I have been in South Africa for only four days, and I have already seen locals with tears in their eyes just talking about what is unfolding around them. We are watching history in the making, before our very eyes.

Twitter

From The Times' Oliver Kay:"Half England press pack laid low by stomach virus. The rest of us just had a terrifying encounter with a charging elephant! Fabio's revenge?"

10:14Commentary

I told you on Thursday we English are a negative bunch. According to a survey done for the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC Radio 5 live, only 13% of people in England think their country will win the World Cup. 31% reckon we'll make it to the quarters and 17% the semis - but overall, women are more postitive than men. Well done girls.

SMS

Rodney, Wilts: "Why do weddings get in the way of World Cups? Tonight I'm missing the matches to watch a wedding DVD. Four years ago I had the unenviable task of giving the best man speech as Rooney was being sent off. Anyone got any bright ideas of how I can get out of tonight's daft event without causing offence?"To watch a wedding DVD? Is that even an 'event'? Mate, just don't go, please. It'll break my heart if you do. Do you want to break my heart? Do you?

606

From WhoWhatWhen: "Glancing at the Mexico side - is Blanco the same player who perfected the move of getting the ball between his ankles and jumping - The Blanco Bounce I believe someone called it? Must have been 2002, or even '98."The very same man. It's what World Cups are all about.

If only there was a place where all the BBC's World Cup comedy archive sat... Hang on a minute, what do we have here? It's only the BBC's World Cup comedy archive! (UK Web only)

Twitter

From TorreSamK9: "Going to be in an exam during the first game, so I hope my prediction of a 4-3 SA win doesn't materialise."I do. Wholeheartedly.

10:35Commentary

Did you know South Africa boss Carlos Alberto Parreira, who will be coaching at a record sixth World Cup, named his team on Thursday? Great show of confidence from the hosts, who are unbeaten in their last 12 games. These are the chosen ones:South Africa team: Itumeleng Khune; Siboniso Gaxa, Lucas Thwala, Bongani Khumalo, Aaron Mokoena; Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala; Katlego Mphela.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Graham Taylor

"Getting off to a good start and winning your first game is so important - and it will be as much to USA as England. Slovenia and Algeria will be hoping for a draw in Rustenberg on Saturday, definitely."

10:42Commentary

One to watch: The hosts have been in decent form recently, no-one more so than 25-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela, who has scored six times in his last five South Africa games. He's so hot right now, they could afford to leave record scorer Benni McCarthy out of their 23. The goal burden is Mphela's to shoulder.

SMS

From Gareth in Milton Keynes: "It was like Christmas Eve last night. I went to bed so early to try and make this moment arrive sooner, but ended up playing the entire tournament through in my head. Holland beat Portugal in the final. And Stevo's Predo's received international acclaim, leading to him becoming the first ever World Cup winner in live text commentary. Remember, this was a dream."One of the great World Cup dreams of all time.

CommentarySouth Africa's World Cup chief Danny Jordaan:

"It's a dream come true, it's like the day that we thought of going to the polls to vote for the first time, or the day we waited for the prison doors to open and Nelson Mandela to walk out. These are defining moments in our history."

606

From gjwireland: "I've only planned a 45-minute lesson for period 5 today so we can watch the start of the football!"

Somehow, a colleague and I ended up in an art gallery in the Melville district of Johannesburg on Thursday evening. The perfect place to get away from the World Cup for a few moments? No chance. It was an exhibition containing many Fifa World Cup pictures, with mini footballs scattered about the place and even Vuvuzelas blaring out. It's World Cup o'clock everywhere you look.

11:00Commentary

The opening ceremony of the 19th World Cup begins in two hours. The first game, between South Africa and Mexico, kicks off in four hours.

From James in Bangalore: "I'm an Englishman in India. One of my local colleagues just asked if Liverpool are in the World Cup. Another asked why I wasn't supporting Brazil. By the end of this tournament I will have educated them on the marvels of World Cup football, mark my words! Good luck to the Saffers today."

Every person, house, shop and car in this magical, mystical place screams Bafana Bafana today. With everyone and everything draped in the hosts' colours, this is a country with a loud and clear message for the rest of the world: 'We are South Africa, we are proud of our nation, proud to host the most spectacular event on earth.' I have never seen such pride in a people in all my life. It is truly humbling.

606

From 4fabregas: "I'm so excited I can't concentrate on anything. Three different fantasy football tournaments entered, two prediction leagues and a sweepstake (Switzerland so come on Mr Frei) and finally the real thing is here. What a day. What a month. God bless the World Cup."

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's David Pleat

"The Americans need to make sure that they don't let England dictate the tempo of the game. They were very successful at the Confederations Cup and England must not underestimate them or be surprised by them."

ContributorPumza Fihlani, BBC News website reporter in Johannesburg:

"All the major roads leading to Soccer City are under severe pressure with thousands of cars trying to make their way into Soweto. Football fans started making their way to the stadium more than four hours before kick-off. Roads to nearby fanparks are currently gridlocked..."

But Bafana Bafana are under pressure because no World Cup host nation has ever failed to progress from their group. They went on an open top bus ride on Wednesday before even kicking a ball, while president Jacob Zuma visited the team on the same day, telling them he was itching to touch the golden trophy at the end of the tournament. Pressure.

SMS

Moe from New York: "Is it possible to move he opening match ahead by a few hours? I haven’t slept in two days and I’m just starting to fall asleep."

ContributorBBC Sport's Gary Lineker

"The only chance England have got is if they play five across the midfield and one up front in Wayne Rooney. Playing 4-4-2 all the time only makes us mundane and predictable and I don't think it's good enough."

ContributorSouth Africa's World Cup chief Danny Jordaan

"Our country has come to a standstill. The first time it happened was when Nelson Mandela walked out of prison on 11 February, 1990 and everyone then sat in front of the TV and waited for that moment. Today it is such a moment when the country is sitting waiting."

11:50Commentary

For now, that's it from me. I'm off down the road to Soccer City for one of the most remarkable occasions in the recent history of sport. I leave you in the hands of the only person good enough to take you through the dramas of an opening ceremony and start of the World Cup - Caroline Cheese. Happy World Cup day.

11:55Commentary

Hello you, bye bye Stevo. I’m Caroline Vuvuzela-Cheese. Yes, so super-excited am I about the next four weeks, I’ve changed my name in celebration. South Africa v Mexico kicks off in 3 hours 5 minutes, but the good news is we can begin our TV marathon much earlier than that with the opening ceremony at 1300 BST. I love opening ceremonies – and this one promises to be an absolute belter.

12:00Commentary

You might like to manually refresh your page at this point. The opening ceremony will be streamed live on the BBC website (UK only), with coverage also provided by ITV1. It will feature 1,581 performers, including R Kelly, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Nigerian star Femi Kuti, Algerian afro-pop artist Khaled, and my own personal favourite, South Africa’s Hip Hop Pantsula. If there’s nothing there that excites you, then there is no place for you here (although I will be trying to fit some football chat in, so don’t despair).

SMS

From Louis in Crawley: "Even after months and months of warnings my girlfriend does not realise that she will not see me for a month. BBQs, beer and World Cup. This is what I was born for."

12:07Commentary

The ceremony, which has a theme of Welcoming The World Home, will also be tinged with sadness. Nelson Mandela will not be at the Soccer City stadium, as the 91-year-old grieves the death of his great-granddaughter yesterday. Mandela had personally selected South African opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe to perform at the ceremony, but two days after recording his World Cup anthem Hope, the 35-year-old died of meningitis. R & B singer Timothy Moloi will sing Hope in tribute to Ntshebe.

12:13Commentary

As ever, I’m itching to hear from you. Why not share your favourite opening ceremony moments (hello, Diana Ross!) on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), on Twitter, or on 606. You can even talk about football if you wish.

From Rob in Leamington Spa: "Cheesy, can you give Warwick Uni a big telling off for setting the deadline for finalist Biology dissertations six days into the World Cup?"Surely it just means you've all finished your dissertations six days early... right?

606

From strictlymad: "So looking forward to the opening game, but feel South Africa are going to be outclassed from the get go."

12:30Commentary

At the opening ceremony, the aforementioned Hip Hop Pantsula will join TKZee in performing the song Shibobo (which samples Europe’s The Final Countdown). The track was originally recorded in 1998 and featured Benni McCarthy, but his bit has been unsurprisingly cut for the 2010 version after his, erm, rounded figure ruled him out of South Africa’s squad. “Benni’s in the area,” went the original. Not anymore, he isn't... Poor Benni.

606

From Jinadine: "My Mexican colleague has come into work wearing a sombrero, a novelty moustache and for lunch he's having a bottle of tequila. Obviously, he's working a half day. I hope."

12:40Commentary

Got your vuvuzela yet? I'm still at the stage where I think they're brilliant, although I appreciate that feeling might not last. Neil van Schalkwyk, who apparently developed the plastic trumpet seven years ago, is worried about a possible vuvuzela black market. "Our vuvuzelas have the purest sound and they are the easiest to blow. Our vuvuzelas also have a much more comfortable mouth-piece. I think at the end of the World Cup we'll see a lot of people with cut, sore lips."

SMS

From Peter in South Africa: "The entire country is going crazy with excitement. Feel it, it is here!!! I’m at work until 5pm local time... fail!"

12:45Commentary

Woohoo. I can see pictures from inside the Soccer City stadium, and hear the hum of the vuvuzelas. A capacity crowd of 94,700 is expected for the opening ceremony, which is coming up at 1300 BST and I guess they'll probably stick around for South Africa v Mexico afterwards.

From battyslittlelegs "I'm getting so excited thinking about the World Cup. I think that while the World Cup is on it should be a global holiday for everyone. All in favour say aye."Aye

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"The South Africans have had plenty of chances to party over the last 16 years, and they have turned the areas surrounding Soccer City into a genuine festival of football. There are people dancing, singing, furiously blowing their Vuvuzelas, trying to do it all at the same time. This area used to be old mine dumps - how times change."

SMS

From Ando in London Bridge: "Just seen two chaps in suits, with Mexico shirts underneath, and fake handlebar moustaches and sombreros, walking along like it's the most normal thing to do.... In London Bridge!!! I LOVE THE WORLD CUP."

12:56Commentary

The announcer at Soccer City has given people the five-minute warning to take their seats. Don't want to be gloomy, but it looks like Gordon Farquhar's earlier fears may come true. The stadium is half-full. Naomi Campbell's there though, so that's good.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

Via Twitter: "Inside Soccer City. Stadium about 20% full, still can't hear tannoy man. Making yourself heard = worst job in the world on a day like today."

13:04Commentary

A fly-past by South Africa's equivalent of the Red Arrows to begin proceedings, accompanied by appropriate dramatic music. Organisers have promised a big surprise in the opening seven minutes of the ceremony... I'm not sure if they might delay the proper start to allow a few more people to take their seats though.

606

From Penno: "The Air show is fantastic and please, forget about the stadium being full or not! LET THE SHOW BEGIN!"

13:08Commentary

They're going to start in two minutes. The ceremony is due to last half an hour - it's my duty to report that some of those precious minutes will be taken up by R Kelly singing...

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"We've got jet engines roaring overhead, about 47 millions Vuvuzelas on the go and now the tannoy man has ramped up the volume a few decibels to make himself heard. I think this day is going to be vibrating around in my head for the rest of my life. Soccer City's about half full now - let's hope the rest of them make it in time for the football. That is what we're here for, isn't it Caroline?"Er, yes

13:12Commentary

Here we go then. "It's Africa's time to shine" goes the song as we watch a compilation of emotive images of South Africa. Praise poet Zolani Mkhiva is in the centre of the pitch, and a group of drummers will respond to him in this first part which is entitled The Calling.

SMS

From anon: "Nobody in my office even knows the World Cup is beginning, but the texts from around the world are keeping me buzzing. Thank you all! I can't wait for 'The Greatest Show on Earth'! I fly out June 25th, and maybe should think about coming back to a new job! Come on England! Good luck Bafana Bafana!"

13:15Commentary

The call goes out to all the other World Cup stadiums now: Green Point, Durban, Ellis Park, Free State, Port Elizabeth, Mbombela, Peter Mokaba, Royal Bafokeng and Loftus Versfeld. And now the world will be invited in. Come on everyone, we're off to the World Cup!

13:18Commentary

On to part two, Africa Lives In All Of Us, which begins with the arrival of a giant beetle (not a real one). Yes indeed. He's approaching a large football. Not another Diana Ross moment... No, he's just going to dribble it for a bit. Panic over.

13:20Commentary

Timothy Moloi now sings World Cup anthem Hope, in memory of Siphiwo Ntshebe, and it includes an extract from a Nelson Mandela speech. "Through compassion and caring, we can create hope." The performers behind Moloi create the shape of Africa with coloured fabrics. Very moving.

13:22Commentary

A complete change of mood now and there's Archbishop Desmond Tutu up and dancing as TKZee and Hip Hop Pantsula hit the stage to sing Shibobo. Amazing colours, I'm loving this.

SMS

From John in London: "Did that beetle agree with certain goalkeepers about the suspect qualities of the new World Cup ball?"

13:26Commentary

Oh wait, this is Hip Hop Pantsula, or Double H P to his friends, and he gets a huge roar from the crowd. Everyone having fun? I think I might cry before the end of this, just to warn you.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

Via Twitter: "Reckon Soccer City is about 75% full now as the opening ceremony gets into full swing. I love African World Cups, they're brilliant."

13:31Commentary

Wonder what the big surprise was the organisers promised in the first seven minutes? Was it the giant beetle? (And no, in answer to some of you, it was neither Paul nor Ringo). Here's Nigerian legend Femi Kuti with his classic track Bang Bang Bang. It's a cracker too. I want the opening ceremony album.

13:35Commentary

Oh, here's R Kelly now, singing with the Soweto Spiritual Singers. Here are his modest hopes for his anthem Sign Of A Victory. “I’m really hoping that with this song we can promote world peace first, and help with global-warming, and humanity around the world. This is my hope. I believe that music can guide us and lead us into a world of peace.”

13:35Commentary

And there's the obligatory key change from R Kelly, who is wearing a spangly jacket as part of an all-black outfit, while the choir wear all white. Flags of the competing nations are carried on to the stage now. Naomi Campbell, who's getting a lot of camera love, bobs her head approvingly.

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From Dean in Bristol: "Stunning, simply stunning! Well done South Africa."

13:40Commentary

Every time the camera pans to the crowd, you can't help but feel a rush of excitement. Beaming smiles everywhere you look. And that's the end of the opening ceremony. The long walk is over. South Africa’s World Cup is officially under way.

SMS

From Bee, Belfast: "Re 1335: R Kelly doesn’t ask for much does he? Would love to see his letters to Santa!"

13:50Commentary

I'm not sure R Kelly's Sign Of A Victory is going to make much difference, if any, to world peace, global-warming, or indeed, humanity around the world. K'naan's Wavin Flag, however, has got every chance.

SMS

From Caron in London: "When the commentator said 'it's Africa's time now' I fought to keep the tears at bay."

13:55Commentary

The spectacular sounds of the opening ceremony have now given way to the steady hum of the vuvuzelas. In one hour and five minutes, South Africa and Mexico will finally get the football under way. I almost don't want it to start because it'll just mean it's closer to being over. Make any sense?

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"With the shiny orange seats (the Dutch will be camouflaged in here on Monday) slowly but surely taken up by Bafana Bafana fans draped in the bright tints of their country's flag and the giant stadium illuminated by an opening ceremony of remarkable contrast, that must be the most colourful opening ceremony of all time. Let's hope the football is similarly sparkling."

SMS

From Duncan in London:"Office productivity has hit zero."

Twitter

From InfostradaLive: "If this place is filled to its 94,000 capacity, it will be the highest attendance for a World Cup match since the 1994 World Cup final."

14:06Commentary

Sensational stuff. As the South Africa team get off their coach at Soccer City, they are belting out a Bafana Bafana anthem. Brilliant. Can't imagine John Terry etc getting involved in that can you?

The vuvuzelas get a lot louder as South Africa's players run out on to the pitch to warm up. Mexico follow to only a slightly less cacophonous reception.

14:18Commentary

Hey, still 42 minutes until kick-off, so you've got plenty of time to nip on to Twitter and join in John Motson's Q and A. Off you go, I'll see you in a minute.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"The noise that greets the dancing South Africans on the pitch is just overwhelming. Has a nation ever been this happy to have a World Cup on its doorstep? If I may be so bold as to make a predo, I'd wager Bafana Bafana to win 2-1. If they do, 94,700 people are unlikely to ever hear again."

14:27Commentary

Do you speak Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, English, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese or Welsh? Then you can join inBBC World Service's World Cup Team Talk. Every message will be translated in to the language of your choice so you can debate with people from all around the world. Luckily, I speak them all so I have no need for such a service.

Twitter

From anon: "Is it OK to conga around your room on your own because we kick off in 35 minutes?! I thought so!!!! Ga Bafana Bafana!"

Twitter

From InfostradaLive: "Important match for this young referee from Uzbekistan, the youngest to referee a World Cup opening match since 1934."

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

Via Twitter: "According to the Fifa teamsheet, Mexico have six defenders, one midfielder and three strikers in their starting XI. I wonder..."

14:38Commentary

Sadly for fans of unusual formations, Mexico probably won't be playing 6-1-3 against South Africa. Paul Aguilar and Efrain Juarez are listed as defenders but will play alongside Gerardo Torrado and Giovani dos Santos in midfield. Giovani is officially a striker, according to Fifa.

14:43CommentaryTEAM NEWS South Africa v Mexico

Hosts South Africa go with the side they named on Thursday, with Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar expected to be a key member of a side that features just three foreign-based players, an expression of coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's faith in a well-drilled group of locals who have been training intensively since March.

Mexico start with former West Ham frontman Guillermo Franco in attack in preference to new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez, while Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos of Arsenal and Tottenham respectively also feature.

Twitter

From beebrian: "Carlos Vela to score the first goal of the 2010 World Cup."

14:45Commentary

Fifteen minutes until kick-off. The South African team are in the tunnel, receiving some last-minute instructions from coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Parreira, who makes history today as the first to coach at six World Cups, said yesterday: “This is war. Of course players feel pressure. The South African people have waited such a long time for this World Cup. There is also joy and happiness tied to the tournament and that is why I tell my players to revel in the atmosphere and forget about the negative pressure.”

14:49Commentary

Stand by your beds. Here come the teams, and just when I thought it couldn't get any louder at Soccer City, well, it did. It's a time for cool heads - mine is not one of them.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

Via Twitter: "I defy anyone to tell me there has been a louder noise at a football game in recent history than when those two teams came out. Amazing."

ContributorFifa president Sepp Blatter

"The Fifa World Cup is in South Africa. Thank you. Congratulations to the African population, thank you to South Africa that we can stage this World Cup here. A dream came true even if he's not here tonight, but the spirit of Mandela is in Soccer City."

ContributorSouth African president Jacob Zuma

"Firstly let me convey the message from our icon, who wanted to be with us to greet you before the start of the match but unfortunately there was a tragedy in the Mandela family. But he said the game must start, you must enjoy the game. Ladies and gentlemen, we as a country are humbled by this honour to host one of the biggest tournaments of the world. Africa is indeed happy. This is the African World Cup… I declare the 2010 Fifa World Cup open."

14:55Commentary

Anthem time. No host nation has ever failed to get beyond the group stage. No host nation has ever lost their opening game. No pressure there then. On the plus side for South Africa, Mexico have played the opening match of the World Cup four times, and have lost three and drawn one.

Via Twitter: "Wonder if the Mexicans have any good songs or chants? We'll never find out!"

15:01Commentary

Everyone else got goosebumps? The end of the South African national anthem prompts another loud burst from the vuvuzelas. Handshakes all round now. We're a bit late kicking off, but does anyone care? No.

15:05KICK-OFF

The South African team all place their hands on the head of Steven Pienaar before the players take up their positions. Ravshan Irmatov blows his whistle to get the first game of the 2010 World Cup under way.

2 minsCommentary

Almost the worst possible start for the hosts as keeper Itumeleng Khune spills a cross from the right right into the path of Giovani dos Santos, but captain Aaron Mokoena saves his team by deflecting the ball behind

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

“And so, amid a cacophony of Vuvuzelas, the 2010 Fifa World Cup gets under way in front of all-but a full house at the imperious Soccer City, a place created out of nothing for this very moment. This might just be the biggest party football has ever thrown – but can Bafana Bafana keep it going all night? For now, the talking is over.”

6 minsCommentary

Shaky start by Bafana Bafana, Mexico, and particularly Giovani, looking very sprightly early on. South Africa need to weather the storm and calm the nerves.

9 minsCommentary

South Africa are struggling to get a foot on the ball, but a hopeful pass out of defence towards lively young striker Katlego Mphela forces Mexico keeper Oscar Perez to slice his clearance out of play.

SMS

From anon: "Trying to watch the text feed at work as I can't listen and I am so excited! Let's hope the hosts can pull something out the bag as the competition always feels more genuine when the hosts make some progress!"

15 minsCommentary

Corner for Mexico... Giovani with it and Guillermo Franco gets in front of his marker to meet it - but blazes it well over. Looked like a good chance too.

16 minsCommentary

Siphiwe Tshabalala falls under Carlos Salcido's soft-ish challenge to give South Africa the first free-kick within shooting range of this World Cup. About 25 yards out, but Steven Pienaar can't get the famous jabulani ball to dip quite enough.

18 minsYELLOW CARD

Shortly after Mexico midfielder Efrain Juarez picks up a rather harsh yellow card for failing to retreat at a free-kick, Giovani canters forward for Mexico and lets fly from outside the box - just over the top. Another hearts-in-mouths moment for the hosts.

19 minsCommentary

Paul Aguilar stands a cross up to the back post for Mexico, but Bafana Bafana keeper Itumeleng Khune reaches up to collect comfortably.

Twitter

The FA: "Time for everyone here at Royal Marang to watch the first 45 minutes before we leave for training at Bafokeng Stadium tonight."

606

From BullOnParade: "Giovani and Vela could be a frightening partnership by 2014."

25 minsCommentary

Guillermo Franco's deep cross from the right reaches Carlos Salcido on the edge of the box. He dribbles past one, then another, with some lovely close control, but loses possession eventually.

28 minsYELLOW CARD

Kagisho Dikgacoi is the next man in to our young referee's little black book, for a trip on Giovani. Rafael Marquez takes the free-kick but it's a long way out and nothing for the keeper to worry about. What's all the fuss about this new ball? Looks pretty harmless so far... (Hoping that's famous last words)

SMS

From anon: "After Mexico's woeful set piece defending against England, I put a bet on big Matty Booth to score first, only to find he's on the bench.Get that man on!"

Twitter

FromInfostradaLive: "South Africa hanging tough despite a 33-67 possession disadvantage. 1994 was the last World Cup opening match without a first-half goal."

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"Probably not the start the host nation was expecting, but at least they've survived thus far. You couldn't argue if Mexico were 2-0 up, but just signs of Bafana Bafana coming into it in recent moments. The Mexican coach, Javier Aguirre, has been furious for the duration. Carlos Alberto Parreira seems pretty chilled out."

32 minsCommentary

Itumeleng Khune comes to South Africa's rescue. Carlos Vela lifts a lovely little ball through for Guillermo Franco but the keeper is quick to react, staying on his feet to keep out the former West Ham striker's dinked shot.

33 minsCommentary

Carlos Vela drives a cross-shot across goal, which Itumeleng Khune wisely leaves alone. Carlos Alberto Parreira will be relieved if it's still 0-0 at half-time so he can settle his side down.

Twitter

From ColinBoucher: "Why is Dos Santos not good at Spurs? He looks top class here."

37 minsCommentary

The World Cup gods are smiling on South Africa. After Giovani's shot is deflected behind, Guillermo Franco's header from the corner is diverted home by Carlos Vela. The offside flag goes up straight away, and Vela was indeed marginally in front of the keeper when he made contact with the ball, making the man on the line the last man.

40 minsCommentary

But surely their luck has to run out eventually... Guillermo Franco meets another Giovani free-kick with a header, but again it's too high.

42 minsCommentary

Chance for South Africa to relieve the pressure - and the vuvuzelas are in full effect now. Siboniso Gaxa makes a driving run on the overlap, but his cross is bundled behind. Oscar Perez throws himself enthusiastically at the corner, but gets nowhere near. Lucklily for him, the ball bounces away to safety.

"Already plenty inside the media centre in Rustenburg centre for Fabio Capello's press conference and all eyes are on South Africa's opening game against Mexico. I suspect some of the staff in here are not exactly impartial. Only a guess but my suspicions were aroused by the huge round of applause that greeted Itumeleng Khune's save from Guillermo Franco and the delight all round when Carlos Vela's strike was ruled out."

HALF-TIMESouth Africa 0-0 Mexico

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"Goodness knows how Mexico aren't home and hosed already such has been their alarming dominance in Johannesburg. Yet with so many presentable chances wasted and that little flurry of activity in the Mexican area at the end of the half, it'd take a brave man to write off South Africa at this stage."

Twitter

From anon: "The World Cup started 45 mins ago but I think Bafana Bafana are still preparing!!?"

Hey, by the way, you know how we hate it when games are decided by a poor decision? Shall we all yippee with excitement about the linesman's entirely correct - and very quick - decision to rule out Carlos Vela's goal?

45 minsSUBSTITUTION

And we're under way in the second half. South Africa make a change at left-back where Tsepo Masilela replaces Lucas Thwala. Another reminder that you can get full minute-by-minute stats from the match elsewhere on the website.

48 minsCommentary

Siphiwe Tshabalala whips a cross in from the left towards Teko Modise at the far post, but Carlos Salcido gets his head in first. Promising start by the hosts.

SMS

From Luke: "I’m on holiday in Corsica watchin the game in a bar. Just had an argument with a French fella about the offside rule but I don’t know the French word for goalkeeper so I said "un Barthez" instead. Who needs French when you have the universal language of football?"

54 minsGOALSouth Africa 1-0 Mexico

WHAT A GOAL! Bafana Bafana lead, and you've honestly never heard a noise like it. Siphiwe Tshabalala picks up the ball on the left, takes a couple of touches and wallops a sizzling left-foot shot across keeper Oscar Perez and into the far top corner. And a dance to celebrate with his team-mates - which I think they might have planned.

57 minsCommentary

Wow. What a way to get the World Cup party started. Best first opening World Cup goal ever? I'm putting it in the mixer anyway. Still over half an hour to go, and Mexico on the attack now - but Itumeleng Khune collects the free-kick from Giovani.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"I think we've just witnessed one of the great outpouring of emotions in the history of the World Cup. As soon as the ball left the hammer like left foot of Siphiwe Tshabalala, it was only going in one place - and it's just got a little bit louder. It's so harsh on the Mexicans, but it's not really about them right now."

59 minsCommentary

Bafana keeper Itumeleng Khune into the action again as he tips Giovani's ferociously-struck left-foot shot around the post. It was heading for the top corner.

SMS

From Olly: "I’m on a train from Newcastle to London and all anyone in our carriage is talking about is the football as I follow online. Makes the 3hrs pass a bit faster!"

66 minsCommentary

Katlego Mphela crosses from the left for an unmarked Teko Modise and time seems to stand still as he shins his finish wide of the post. His embarrassment is shortlived though as the offside flag goes up.

68 minsSUBSTITUTION

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre makes his first change and it's a significant one. Arsenal forward Carlos Vela makes way for 37-year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco - appearing in his third World Cup. Javi Hernandez was waiting to come on as well, but he'll have to wait a bit longer.

69 minsCommentary

South Africa's Siboniso Gaxa is appealing for a penalty as he goes through on goal, pursued by Francisco Rodriguez. Contact minimal. Twenty one minutes remaining and South Africa still have that precious 1-0 lead.

72 minsSUBSTITUTION

Manchester United's new signing Javi Hernandez does come on now for Mexico, replacing Guillermo Franco.

74 minsCommentary

With Andres Guardado coming on earlier, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has made all three substitutions. Carlos Alberto Parreira has another two changes at his disposal. South Africa playing some decent stuff now.

77 minsCommentary

Blanco, perhaps most famous for the 'Blanco bounce' in which he traps the ball between his feet and jumps, is now Mexico's oldest player at a World Cup - taking over from keeper Oscar Perez, who only set the record in the first half. One for the stat fans there.

78 minsGOALSouth Africa 1-1 Mexico

And suddenly - but only very briefly - the vuvuzelas fall silent. South Africa's defence is all at sea as Andres Guardado's cross comes in from the left and Aaron Mokoena is left trying to mark three players. He can't get his head to the ball and Rafael Marquez has time to bring down the ball down before lashing in the equaliser.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"Sickening blow for the hosts, but you cannot argue that the Mexicans deserve that, they have been far the better of the two teams today. The atmosphere had been building to a crescendo, but it's gone a bit flatter - apart from the Mexican journalists in the press box, who collectively went mental. Anyone fancy a winner?"

82 minsSUBSTITUTION

A second change from South Africa, and it's a bit of a surprise as Everton's Steven Pienaar comes off to be replaced by Bernard Parker, of FC Twente fame. Seven minutes remaining at Soccer City.

SMS

From Danny S: "I just want to get home and watch the footie, way too excited, this opening game is a great advert for the host nation."

Twitter

From 2010MisterChip: "Rafa Marquez is the third Mexican to score at two World Cups after Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Garcia Aspe."

89 minsHITS THE WOODWORK

Hold on... Is there a late twist? Bafana striker Katlego Mphela is through on goal... can he finish it? Argh, so unlucky. His sidefooted finish beats the keeper but bounces back off the foot of the post.

92 minsCommentary

We're into the last minute of stoppage time at Soccer City.

FULL-TIMESouth Africa 1-1 Mexico

16:56Commentary

Disappointment on the faces of many of South Africa's players as they perhaps dwell on that late Mphela effort which came back off the post. Defeat would have been harsh on Mexico - but just imagine the celebrations in South Africa.

16:57Commentary

But after a shaky first half, I make that a great effort by Bafana Bafana. Plenty in that second-half display to give them hope they might make it out of the group. Uruguay next up for them on Wednesday. Mexico meet France on Thursday.

ContributorBBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Soccer City

"The hosts don't seem too pleased, but if I were them I'd be absolutely delighted to get away from here with a point. The fairytale start to the 19th World Cup didn't quite materialise, but if the next month continues to throw up that amount of excitement I think we'll all be happy. Oh, and I can still hear, by the way."

SMS

BBC Sport's Leon Mann in New York: "The equaliser sent Mexico fans crazy here in New York. Justice for the first half offside call that wasn’t? These guys certainly think so."Shame they don't know the offside rule...

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From Aliya in Liberia: "Bravo Africa, bravo Bafana Bafana. What a great start."

17:05Commentary

One of the many reasons the World Cup is brilliant: in two hours and 25 minutes, our second match of the day, Uruguay v France, kicks off. Think we're going anywhere between now and then? No way.

17:08Commentary

Another of the many reasons the World Cup is brilliant: you can now fill in the first result on your wallchart. Yippeeeee.

From optajoe: "This was the first time that the opening game of a World Cup has been drawn since 1986 (Bulgaria 1-1 Italy). Tight."

SMS

From Tim in Geddington: "I'm already bored now there's no football on, what can I do for the next 2 hours Cheesy? Shameless plugs now accepted."I don't know... Have you seen Archbishop Desmond Tutu yippeeing with excitement about the World Cup yet?

17:25Commentary

Right I'm wrapping up South Africa v Mexico here. I'll be back in literally minutes as we start the countdown to Uruguay v France. See you in a bit.

By Jonathan Stevenson, Johannesburg

Mexico's Rafael Marquez struck 12 minutes from time to deny hosts South Africa a winning start to the World Cup at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Marquez controlled Andres Guardado's cross at the back post and rifled past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune to ensure the spoils were shared after a breathless opening to the tournament.

The Mexicans were the better team throughout, but they fell behind when Siphiwe Tshabalala fired in a left-foot thunderbolt from an angle on the left to give the hosts a lead in which their supporters revelled.

In an atmosphere bordering on ecstasy in Johannesburg, Tshabalala's screamer threatened to provide the 19th World Cup with the fairytale beginning it was hoping for, before Marquez and Mexico intervened.

Even then, South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira saw his team almost snatch it in the dying moments, only for striker Katlego Mphela to agonisingly roll a shot against the post with keeper Oscar Perez beaten.

Yet over the 90 minutes, Parreira and his side were perhaps lucky to get away with a draw themselves in front of a partisan 84,490 crowd as Mexico failed to turn their startling superiority into victory.

For South Africa, the first African nation to host the footballing spectacular, what was supposed to be a day of celebration began with the announcement that the 13-year-old great-granddaughter of former president and icon Nelson Mandela had tragically died in a car crash on Thursday.

The 91-year-old Mandela stayed away from the opening ceremony - which preceded the game - to mourn, but through president Jacob Zuma, who declared the World Cup open, he asked people to "enjoy the game".

It is unlikely many of the South African fans enjoyed the first 54 minutes of their moment in the global footballing spotlight as their team were comprehensively outplayed by a Mexico side that knocked the ball around the gorgeous surface with consummate skill and ease.

With Giovani sitting in the hole behind Carlos Vela and Guillermo Franco, the Mexicans had weapons Bafana Bafana simply could not handle - and the movement of the front three quickly began to cause the hosts all kinds of havoc.

Khune was only spared the embarrassment of his early fumble costing a goal by Aaron Mokoena's reflex block to deny Giovani, before Franco headed a corner wastefully over.

South Africa were struggling to get out of their own half with any real consistency and former West Ham striker Franco was inadvertently keeping them in the contest, again heading off target when he should have done better and seeing another shot expertly saved by Khune.

Mpehla had been forced to feed off scraps until he was inches away from heading in Tshabalala's cross just before the break, but soon after the interval the world had the goal for which it had been waiting.

Tshabalala, a 25-year-old Soweto-born left winger for Kaizer Chiefs, wrote his name down in football folklore with a strike of such pure quality it almost took a second for him to realise what he had done.

Mexico were shell-shocked, but after Giovani's left-foot rocket was tipped away by Khune, up popped Marquez to slot in and quieten some of the vuvuzelas in the crowd.

Mphela's late flirtation with the woodwork only compounded the agony for the hosts, but their World Cup campaign remains very much alive.

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